Pheaturing Lisa Henson

 

Hey, kids, welcome to the Phile for a Friday. How are you doing? The Minnesota Vikings currently have the worst vaccination rate in the NFL amongst it’s players, and that includes their most important one...  Kirk Cousins. The Vikings has all three of their QBs sidelined earlier this week due to COVID-19 protocols. Cousins, Kellen Mond and Nate Stanley were placed on the NFL’s reserve list for COVID-19, leading to head coach Mike Zimmer was visibly frustrated by the absence of anyone to run their offense. After returning to practice yesterday, Cousins spoke to the media and was of course asked about the matter, giving some rather odd statements about the lengths he would go... and tried to go, to avoid getting the vaccine. Cousins said he would surround himself in plexiglass before getting the vaccine. Okay then...

It was clear from the get-go that James Gunn's The Suicide Squad will differ from David Ayer's 2016 version of the DC Extended Universe team-up film which isn't all that absurd considering it's being labeled as a "soft-reboot." It's also quite obvious that Gunn had an entirely different vision for his film and it's probably the reason why most of the cast members from the original Suicide Squad film weren't included in the 2021 version. The 2016 film had a pretty stacked and impressive roster of characters such as Killer Croc, Katana, and Deadshot which is why fans were bewildered by Gunn's decision not to bring back the OG characters from the first one and instead chose to add a few new faces to the fold like Peacemaker, Ratcatcher 2, and Blood Sport to name a few. The only actors from the 2016 film that made it to Gunn's project were Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, and Viola Davis. When asked about it by a fan during his recent Instagram Q&A, the Guardians of the Galaxy director offered a pretty straightforward answer that some people may find disappointing. According to him, they were the only characters that fit his vision for the film. It's a bummer for sure considering characters like Katana, Killer Croc, and Deadshot all had the potential to be great but hey, there's still hope that some if not all of the characters from the 2016 Suicide Squad film could still make their way back in Gunn's future sequel. And besides, Gunn himself has previously revealed that not everyone in the film will "survive" so the chances of Task Force X gaining new members in the future doesn't seem unlikely.

Finances can be a sticky subject in marriages and relationships, which is why it's important to communicate openly about how to approach the subject of shared costs. Every cohabitating or married couple has a different approach to how bills should be split. Some believe in splitting bills evenly, while in other relationships, one person pays more. Often these breakdowns depend on gender, income, or domestic roles. Creative consultant Keshav Kant went viral with a tweet explaining why she thinks couples should split bills "equitably" instead of "equally."

She also believed that this system of income-dependent bill-sharing should also apply to friends and family members. The tweet sparked an interesting discussion about how to split bills in families and friendships. Many people agreed with Kant that this system is much fairer and less "cruel" than splitting costs evenly. Many people weighed in on the ways that "evenly" splitting bills has caused problems for them in relationships. While others shared that equitably splitting bills has been beneficial in their relationships and friend groups. Some married people are sharing that they prefer to merge finances in a single account for shared costs. Some people the "equitable" bills-splitting strategy could create more problems than it solves. Obviously, everyone is different when it comes to handling money and bills. But it seems like for the most part, people are calling this a matter of kindness and common sense. 

Meghan Markle turned 40 on August 4th, and she celebrated by announcing a new initiative featuring another iconic MM, Melissa McCarthy. The Duchess of Sussex announced the 40x40 campaign on the website of her and Prince Harry's Archewell Foundation. "In reflecting on my 40th birthday and the many things I am grateful for, I’m struck that TIME IS AMONG OUR GREATEST AND MOST ESSENTIAL GIFTS," she wrote, with caps lock and bold text for emphasis. "Amongst the most valuable gifts of time is also time spent in service to others knowing that it can contribute to incredible change." Meghan proceeded to cite statistics about the tens of millions of women around the world who have left the workforce amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Enter the 40x40 campaign. Meghan has asked 40 of her friends... among them very famous activists, athletes, and artists... to contribute 40 minutes of mentorship to support women re-entering the workforce. She calls on followers to pledge 40 minutes of their own, in hopes that it will inspire a "a GLOBAL WAVE OF SERVICE and set in motion meaningful impact in our own communities, and across the world." That's the serious stuff: now onto the funny stuff. The video opens with McCarthy working on a Rubik's Cube in a bathrobe when she gets a call from Meghan. McCarthy quickly changes into High Tea garb to speak to the former Senior Royal. Meghan then displays an impressive ability to laugh at jokes about herself when McCarthy guesses what she wants for her birthday. "I know what it is," she says. "My first guess is, it another photo shoot under a tree where you're looking very peaceful?" "Peaceful under a tree is me every day," Meghan responds. McCarthy then pitches "besties forever" matching tattoos, and Meghan jokes she already has one on her back. McCarthy brings up "Suits," to which Meghan replies, "I love 'Suits,' but why would I do a 'Suits' reunion for my birthday?" Meghan then explained 40x40, and when the two MMs were wrapping up, they were surprised with a cameo from Prince Harry and his secret talent. Both Meghan and McCarthy lost it. Eagle-eyed viewers noticed some Easter eggs. First, that Meghan is wearing necklaces that feature her kids' astrological signs... and second, that within the middle frame of the trifold, appears to be our first glimpse at baby Lili, according to People. Participants in 40x40 include Adele, Amanda Gorman, Amanda Nguyen, Deepak Chopra, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, Gloria Steinem, José Andrés, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, and Stella McCartney, according to Archewell. Happy birthday, Duchess Meghan!! 

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been hit with a new crop of sexual harassment allegations, and he's apparently fighting fire with fire... by releasing a slideshow that shows him kissing and touching random people from all walks of life. Interesting approach! A probe showed Cuomo had engaged in "unwanted groping, kissing, hugging and making inappropriate comments," New York Attorney Letita James said, according to the New York Post. She added, “These interviews and pieces of evidence revealed a deeply disturbing yet clear picture: Gov. Cuomo sexually harassed current and former state employees in violation of federal and state laws." Many members of Cuomo's own party, including President Joe Biden, have called for him to resign. But Cuomo seems determined to go down swinging... er, kissing and hugging. The governor decided to address the allegations with a video that his office posted on Twitter. In it, he talks about how he's an affectionate person who touches and kisses "everyone. Black and white, young and old, straight and LGBTQ, powerful people, friends, strangers, people who I meet on the street."  “I’ve been making the same gesture in public all my life,” he says in the video. “I actually learned it from my mother and from my father [late New York Governor Mario Cuomo]. Indeed there are hundreds, if not thousands of photos of me using the exact same gesture.” He repeatedly also released a written response which includes many photos of himself and other politicians hugging people. And reportedly said he'll be bringing in a sexual harassment expert for... his staff? His defense is truly baffling. People are wondering who made the slideshow. How are all these random people okay with this? I predict he's got plenty more kissing in his future. 

You heard of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, right? But have you heard of Dwayne "The Shock" Johnson?

Hahahaha. I don't get it. Can you imagine if children's drawings were real? This made me laugh...

What a good artist she is. Today's guest on the Phile is Lisa Henson, daughter of Jim Henson. I didn't know there was a new Muppet movie coming out...

If only that was a real thing. If I had a TARDIS I would love to go to the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9th, 1989. 

Any stroll through a store would have you believe that "pink is for girls" and "blue is for boys" are the associated gender roles are the very backbone of our society. Products from nail clippers to hand lotion are assigned genders when last time I checked, inanimate objects don't have gender identities. Like these pillows for example...

Pillows, they feel exactly the same. 

On plumbing...

Now from the home office in Port Jefferson, New York here is...

Top Phive Things People Overheard At Work

5. Nurse to patient: "No, vodka does not count as a "clear liquid."  

4. Passwords are like underwear: they should never be shared, and should be changed frequently.

3. Girls, quick talk. If a guy says to you that he doesn't want you meeting his friends/hanging out with them cause of his "reputation"... dump his arse. You deserve better.

2. You know him. You do. That guy that looks like he just missed out on being a turnip. 

And the number one thing someone overheard at work is...

1. We're not encrypting people's financial data, we're determining whether there's a can of beans in a cupboard. 

If you spot the Mindphuck let me know. Okay, let's take a live look at Port Jeff, shall we?

Looks like a nice day thee with some landscaping being done. 

The 155th and last book to be pheatured in the Phile's Book Club is...

David will be on the Phile on Wednesday. 

Phact 1. In the 1860s San Francisco, two stray dogs who were best friends became local celebrities. Their exploits were celebrated in local papers and they were granted immunity from the city’s dog catchers. 

Phact 2. The town of Dull in Scotland has been twinned with the town of Boring, Oregon since 2012. In 2013 the town of Bland, Australia joined them in what has become known as the Trinity of Tedium.

Phact 3. There is one bone in the human body not connected to any other bones. The hyoid bone is located within the neck, and is connected only by muscles and ligaments. It is used to help support the tongue, and aid in swallowing. 

Phact 4. In Canada, there is a ratio of 30 abortions to every 100 live births.

Phact 5. The Beatles helped end racially segregated concerts by refusing to play at segregated events.

Today's guest is an American television and film producer and former actress who has been involved in television shows such as "Sid the Science Kid." She is the CEO of The Jim Henson Company, founded by parents Jim and Jane Henson. Please welcome to the Phile... Lisa Henson.

Me: Hey, Lisa, welcome to the Phile. It's so good to have you here! How are you? 

Lisa: Very nice to join you. 

Me: Okay, I'm a huge Muppets fan, Lisa, and got to meet Jim Henson when they were filming "Muppets Go to Walt Disney World" and he asked me personally if I can move a trash can for a shoot with Gonzo and put it atop of a hill. I worked there in Custodial in Epcot then. 

Lisa: Oh, yeah, my dad told me how strong you were moving that trash can. LOL. I'm kidding of course, but glad you got to meet him. 

Me: Me too. So, who or what inspired your dad, do you know? 

Lisa: Well, my father was very creative as a young child. He tried all kind of things, he loved to illustrate and build things. He was kind of a maker in a way, he really wanted to get into television. So he never considered that he was going to become a puppeteer, he was fascinated by the new technology of television in the late 50s. He responded to an ad at the local television station where they were looking for young puppeteers so suddenly he was a puppeteer. He put together an act, and he went in and he auditioned and he was suddenly be able to be on television which was his dream through puppeteering. 

Me: Did your dad call himself a puppeteer or another role? 

Lisa: Through his whole life he went back and forth calling himself a puppeteer and identifying himself as a different sort of artist. A film and television artist, so he has two identities. 

Me: Did he use family members or friends when he came up with personalities or looks of a puppet? 

Lisa: Usually the characters are a little bit more universal. They might represent an archetype like Miss Piggy is not based on one female character, she's a brassy dame that is sort of a universal archetype. Very occasionally he would base a character on someone in particular. There was an agent character on "The Muppet Show" that was based on his favorite agent Bernie Brillstein. But most of them weren't based on anyone in particular. 

Me: So no Muppets based off you? Haha. 

Lisa: LOL. I would have been very grumpy about that as a child. 

Me: So how come you didn't get the spark of puppetry? Your brother Brian did, but you didn't. 

Lisa: I was very close to my father and I worked with him on the production side and the scripts, the development, the original ideas of things were the kind of things that we would talk about. My father kind of directed each of his kids into the business in a different way. So he saw Brian as technically brilliant and he was teaching about a lot of technical things including performing but also the technical side of that. Brian ultimately became a director because he is a really funny performer and both a technical person. My sister Cheryl who also is very artistic with building puppets and she loves to do costuming in school. My father was really encouraging her on the building and work shop side of things. It's funny, I never thought that I never didn't get into the business, I just never got into the puppeteering. I've always been pretty involved with the business. 

Me: I have a cute pic of you and your dad here... 

Me: That was a pretty good balance, right, between you and your siblings? 

Lisa: Brian is very good at business and development now too. I think we all blurred our roles a little bit. Particularly my sister Cheryl who is very good at development and business and who was never meant to be just working at the work shop. He looked to kind of work with its in all different ways. 

Me: So, I read somewhere that you and Cheryl when you were children almost got run over by your mom's car. Is that true? 

Lisa: I have to say that no one ever asked me that in an interview and yet it was a very important event in MY life clearly, to narrowly escape death. Yet nobody ever asks me about it but you, Jason. 

Me: Well, I'm like that. Haha. So, what do you remember about it? 

Lisa: The person who I feel sorry the most for in that story is my mother because I'm a mother of two and if I saw my children go down in front of the car with me driving I don't know if I'll ever recover from that. She was very lucky that she went between the wheels, it really wasn't get fault because our drive way was on a blind curve and they had to take the drive way kind of quickly so as to not get rear ended by the people coming on behind, so she always driver into the drive way quickly and we had no business playing on the ground in the drive way. But that's what we were doing. 

Me: How old were you then? 

Lisa: I was five, Cheryl was four. 

Me: So where else could you play? Haha. 

Lisa: Well, she should not have been there and we had a babysitter too. That's where I lay the blame. 

Me: So, a lot off people ask me about my dad, who was the lead singer in Foghat, about what he was like as a dad. What was Jim like as a dad to you? 

Lisa: Oh, well, my father was a very loving father. He did travel a lot, he did work away from home. There were periods of time where he loved in London when we were on high school so we would see him on vacations. There were periods of time he wasn't available but generally he was available to us, very emotionally available but he was always ready to plunge into projects with us on creative projects. We we're constantly painting and building and animating, doing mosaics and every creative kind of project. Whenever he came home from work, particularly on weekends he would do art projects with us. 

Me: That's cool. He and my dad were similar. What was your mom like? 

Lisa: My mother was also an art teacher so the whole household was very artistic. 

Me: Did you do Muppet stuff at home? 

Lisa: We didn't do Muppets at home but we did other type of projects. The kind of things that regular families do, but we did those things more intensively. We made and created all kind of elaborate Christmas ornaments and extremely elaborate Easter eggs. We did normal things, just more. 

Me: What about pumpkins for Halloween? 

Lisa: Yeah, elaborate pumpkins. Really elaborate jack-o-lanterns for Halloween my father would carve. He felt very peaceful at home kind of doing the artwork. 

Me: Did your dad have a favorite movie? 

Lisa: Let me think about that. I really ought to know that but I can't think of it at the moment. 

Me: What about television shows that he liked? 

Lisa: When I was a young adult I remember that he loved this TV series, "Penny's From Heaven," he loved the weaving of fantasy and reality. It was a Dennis Potter mini series from England that was made into a feature with Steve Martin but it was really a TV series that he loved and he was very inspired by that in some of his later work. 

Me: I bet he loved Disney movies, right? 

Lisa: I know that he loved Disney's Sleeping Beauty. 

Me: What about a favorite memory of you and your dad? 

Lisa: I don't know, we have so many memories. 

Me: What's comes to your mind first thing? 

Lisa: He loved to take really fun vacations and bring his family and co-workers together on those vacations. So we did some fun things that were a little extravagant, but they also had a sense of carefree adventure. 

Me: We used to go to Walt Disney World every year, what did you guys do? Which vacation was your favorite? 

Lisa: One of my favorite ones is we went hot air ballooning in France. He would just embrace any fun activity and he felt very fortunate to experience the success he and in his life. He expressed that good fortune and gratefulness all the time and he never took it for granted. He didn't have any negativity towards anybody who he sort of passed on the way. He just worked really hard to keep his relationships positive and have an overall very positive outlook on life. 

Me: He so much was like my dad. So, what do you think of the Disney-Muppets deal that went on back in the day? Of course Disney owns the Muppets now, but back then there was some drama. 

Lisa: He had a lot of hope with the combination of Disney and the Muppets. Which is why we went forward with selling the Muppets to Disney which he thought so positively about. Even as the deal dragged on on a business sense he was very excited about everything coming to pass and he had a fantastic time directing the 3D movie for the park. We felt like the best thing we could do for his legacy was to complete that marriage. It's funny, the Muppets were one of the first franchises that the Disney company bought that wasn't originated at Disney and now there's been so many more... Marval, Pixar, Lucas Film. The Muppet Henson deal is sort of dwarfed by those deals but I believe we were one of the very first ones. 

Me: So what was it like when you were promoted to Executive Vice-President at Warner Bros., what was that like? Your dad must've been so proud of you. 

Lisa: It was such a bittersweet time because it was very happy for a week and then very sad for a long time after that. 

Me: Hmmm. Why was that? 

Lisa: Because I was also promoted on my birthday, on May 9th because my boss at the time was kind and sentimental. He thought it'll be great to have my promotion in the paper on my birthday. He had arranged for this to be the best week of my life and then a week later my father died. It was just awful. 

Me: Oh, shit, I didn't realize that. I'm so sorry. I was sitting in a break room at Epcot when I saw on TV that he passed away. I was shocked like the rest of the world. Lisa, thanks so much for being on the Phile and tell your siblings I said hello. I was a big fan of your dad. 

Lisa: Thank you, Jason.

That about does it for this entry of the Phile. Thanks to Lisa for a cool interview. The Phile will be back on Monday with voice actor Maurice LaMarche. Spread the word, not the turd. Don't let snakes and alligators bite you. Bye, love you, bye. Get vaccinated! 

Give me some rope, tie me to dream, give me the hope to run out of steam, somebody said it could be here. We could be roped up, tied up, dead in a year. I can't count the reasons I should stay. One by one they all just fade away...